Sanna Marin, the Finnish prime minister, endorsed the inclusion of all Russians affected by punitive measures. Despite the visa ban making it hard for Russians to visit the EU, Sanna Marin called it too little to make them feel the effects of their government's action.
Visa Suspension on Russians Not Enough
Finland's Prime Minister scoffed at the EU sanctions imposed on Moscow, and more should be done to allow pressure, but sanctions have had a negative effect, reported RT.
Instead, they boomeranged, and Helsinki is feeling the effects it brought on itself. She told the legislature that Moscow should take more measures to end the war, noted Mass News.
Earnings from gas and oil have permitted the Kremlin to pursue Kyiv, which has experienced severe losses in men and equipment. Since the start of the Ukrainian conflict, the Finnish PM has suggested punitive measures against ordinary Russians.
"Marius informed the Finnish state broadcaster Yle last August 8 that it's "not correct" for Russians to lead a normal life, take trips in Europe, and also be tourists."
The following day, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas wrote on Twitter that "touring Europe is a privilege, not a basic right."
On September 9, the European Council declared the comprehensive suspension of the EU-Russia visa facilitation deal. The judgment does not lead to an absolute prohibition, but somehow it raises the visa application payment for Russian citizens from €35 to €80 for all those applying.
In addition, the time duration may be expanded from ten days to 45 days if documentation is considered necessary, citing Euro News.
"To be a visitor in the EU is not a fundamental human right," says Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson, who introduced the plan on September 6.
Based on the Russian Association of Tour Operators, nine European countries have declined to accept Russian tourist visa documents. Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Denmark, Belgium, and the Netherlands are all included in the list.
Nevertheless, a proposal to prohibit all Russian tourists from trying to enter the EU did not receive universal approval. Germany, France, Hungary, Luxembourg, and Austria have all expressed concerns. Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, also has warned it against the move.
On August 29, the top EU diplomat said on Austria's ORF TV, "Cutting the connection with the Russian civil population will not help, and this suggestion will not have the required majority."
In the meantime, Moscow has mentioned that it will not try to enforce reprisals against visa limitations on foreign citizens, according to President Vladimir Putin, who explained on Wednesday at the Eastern Economic Forum that even a tit-for-tat response would indeed be detrimental to Russia's best interest.
Last Sunday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov clarified that Moscow deems punitive visa restrictions for EU nationals to be unseemly.
The Kremlin Won't be Harsh as the Bloc
Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said on Monday that Moscow would not scramble to react to the EU's new visa requirements on Russian citizens, mentioned Press United.
He accused the EU of trying to differentiate "right and wrong" people through its new visa rules.Finnish PM Sanna Marin endorses more punitive measures to affect every Russian with no exception.
Related Article: European Commission Outlines Gas Price Cap To Limit Russian Revenue
